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The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, estimated at over $2.3 trillion, will require sustained annual investments of about $100 billion until 2043 to overcome.

The commission said the renewed investor confidence, following Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, would boost the inflow of new financing and accelerate efforts to address the country’s infrastructure challenges through well-structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and private-sector-driven financing models.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the ICRC said the FATF delisting marked a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s investment climate.

It described the development as a magnet for global financiers seeking credible opportunities.

‘The ICRC believes this milestone will serve as a magnet for institutional investors, impact funds, and global financiers seeking credible, transparent, and rewarding investment opportunities in Nigeria’s infrastructure space,’ it said.

The commission noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a clear policy direction that has repositioned the ICRC for greater efficiency and impact in managing Nigeria’s PPP portfolio.

‘Under this leadership, the ICRC has streamlined PPP processes to fast-track project delivery, secured and implemented Presidential approval for new project approval thresholds of N20 billion and N10 billion for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to accelerate smaller projects, and issued a comprehensive regulatory framework providing clear, step-by-step guidelines from project conception to hand-back,’ the statement said.

The ICRC urged local and international investors to seize the opportunity presented by Nigeria’s improved financial standing to collaborate with the government on transformative infrastructure projects across critical sectors, such as transportation, power, water, healthcare, and technology.

‘Nigeria is open for business like never before,’ said ICRC’s Director-General, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh.

‘With FATF’s delisting and our strengthened PPP framework, the stage is set for a new wave of infrastructure investment that will redefine Nigeria’s economic landscape.’

Ewalefoh noted that the country’s removal from the FATF grey list not only enhances Nigeria’s credibility in the global financial system but also improves its risk profile for international investors.

‘Nigeria’s clean financial bill means lower risk premiums, smoother cross-border transactions, and renewed investor confidence,’ he said. ‘It directly strengthens our mission at ICRC to attract innovative financing that bridges Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.’

The commission reaffirmed that the current policy environment provides an unprecedented opportunity for partnerships that can deliver sustainable and inclusive infrastructure growth, positioning Nigeria as a major investment destination in Africa.

Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has announced plans to develop Jabi Lake into a world-class tourist hub in FCT.

The proposed project is expected to boost tourism and provide economic opportunities for Nigerians.

Oyebamiji noted that the project aims to transform the lake into a modern tourist hub in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and vision of FCT minister.

The NIWA chief spoke in Abuja yesterday after inspecting the lake in company of the agency’s management staff.

He noted that NIWA will partner private enterprises to develop the lake.

‘We want to develop, add value, and modernise Jabi Lake, an asset of Federal Government by the Inland Waterways Authority.

‘In line with Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and in line with the work of minister of FCT, we are partnering private enterprises to make sure we develop this place into a world-class tourist centre.

‘We are going to start after collaborations with other agencies and once the project is completed, Nigerians and the world are going to see a good tourist centre’.

Oyebamiji assured that the project will go through the necessary procurement processes, and interested investors can participate.

‘We have got three companies going to serve as a private enterprise, and we know that we have a procurement process. We are going to go through the procurement process and after that, we will start the project. At this stage, there is still an opportunity for interested investors to come in’.

He emphasised that NIWA is committed to collaborating withinterested parties and doing business with them after due diligence.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that Nigerians have lost an estimated N300.2 billion to fraudulent investment schemes in recent years, prompting the Commission to intensify its enforcement and investor protection measures across the financial sector.

This disclosure was made yesterday by AbdulRasheed Dan-Abu, Head of Fintech and Innovation Department at the SEC, during the 2025 Journalists Academy organised by the Commission in Abuja.

Dan-Abu said the figure was compiled from investigations into some of Nigeria’s most notorious Ponzi and illegal investment schemes, which have devastated households and small investors across the country.

According to him, ‘The losses, drawn from investigations into some of the country’s most notorious Ponzi and illegal investment schemes, reveal the devastating financial and social impact of these operations on households and small investors. The SEC’s estimates cover several collapsed schemes that had promised investors extraordinarily high and unsustainable returns.’

A breakdown of the figures showed that MMM Nigeria accounted for about N18 billion, while Nospecto Oil and Gas defrauded investors of roughly N45 billion. The MBA Forex and Capital Investment Ltd scheme wiped out N213 billion in investor funds before its collapse, while Chinmark Group, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Business, and Famzhi Interbiz Ltd collectively cost Nigerians over N24 billion.

The SEC noted that these figures do not capture all fraudulent entities, as other unregistered schemes have caused additional losses running into tens of billions of naira.

Financial analysts believe the real losses could be significantly higher, given that many victims – particularly those in rural communities – fail to report their experiences to regulators or law enforcement agencies.

‘These figures represent only a portion of the total losses suffered by the investing public,’ a source at the Commission disclosed. ‘The actual losses could be far more significant given the number of unreported cases and the proliferation of online schemes that evade regulatory scrutiny.’

Disturbed by the persistence of these fraudulent operations, the SEC said it has intensified its regulatory crackdown to protect investors and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

According to the Commission, its new strategy combines investor education, strict enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration. It includes partnerships with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to identify and freeze accounts linked to illegal investment operators.

Under this renewed enforcement drive, the SEC has secured court orders to shut down unregistered entities, initiated prosecution of their operators, and issued investor alerts naming firms engaged in unlawful solicitation. The Commission has also strengthened its technology-driven surveillance systems to track suspicious online investment advertisements, particularly across social media platforms.

‘The Commission remains committed to protecting investors through proactive regulation and strict enforcement actions against those who exploit public trust for illicit gain,’ SEC officials stated.

The Commission is also expanding its public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of unregistered investment schemes and the importance of verifying the registration status of any investment operator.

‘The public is strongly advised to always confirm the registration status of any investment firm before engaging in financial transactions,’ the SEC urged. ‘Investor education remains one of the most effective deterrents to financial fraud.’

Dan-Abu expressed optimism that the SEC’s tougher stance, coupled with its collaboration with security agencies, would significantly reduce the spread of Ponzi operations that have long preyed on unsuspecting citizens.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the SEC, represented by Mrs. Efe Ebelo, Head of External Relations, noted that over 80 million Nigerians are involved in crypto-related activities – a figure that reflects both the opportunities and the risks in the rapidly expanding digital asset market.

‘We are among the world’s top adopters of digital assets, with more than one-third of our population participating in crypto-related activity,’ Agama said. ‘This reflects the creativity of our young people, our deep mobile connectivity, and the hunger for inclusion.’

However, he warned that the same growth has also ‘created a fertile ground for exploitation,’ pointing to the rise in scams, phishing attacks, fake wallet applications, and ransomware schemes targeting unsuspecting users.

‘These threats show an urgent truth: without robust regulation, innovation can quickly become vulnerability. Regulation is not about restriction; it is about building trust and ensuring that innovation serves progress, not predation,’ Agama stated.

He explained that regulators worldwide face similar challenges in balancing innovation and investor protection. ‘Clamp down too hard, and innovation migrates offshore; regulate too softly, and systemic risks multiply,’ he said.

Agama cited global regulatory frameworks such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 15, the European Union’s 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) and MiCA framework, and ongoing enforcement actions in the United States as examples of how digital finance is being brought under stricter oversight globally.

He said Nigeria is not lagging behind, as the SEC in 2022 issued Rules on the Issuance, Offering, and Custody of Digital Assets, which define virtual assets as securities and establish a licensing framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

These rules, he explained, rest on three key principles. First, all VASPs operating in Nigeria must register and obtain SEC approval. Second, they are required to comply with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing obligations and cooperate with the NFIU in line with FATF standards. Third, VASPs must maintain real-time transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious or high-value activities.

Agama added that to strengthen enforcement, the SEC collaborates closely with the CBN and EFCC to freeze illicit digital wallets and recover criminal proceeds. Through partnerships with blockchain analytics firms, the Commission now deploys advanced monitoring tools to trace transactions, detect fraud, and enhance cybersecurity oversight.

He concluded that virtual assets hold vast potential to promote inclusion and attract investment, but innovation must always be guided by integrity.

‘Virtual assets hold immense potential to expand inclusion, mobilize investment, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in digital finance,’ Agama said. ‘But innovation must never outpace integrity.’

As the SEC sustains its enforcement drive, stakeholders are optimistic that the Commission’s balanced approach – combining investor education, regulatory vigilance, and technological supervision – will help restore public confidence and reduce the recurring cycle of investor exploitation in Nigeria’s capital market.

Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has noted the latest outburst from an aide of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, over what he hurriedly labelled as a ‘pardon U-turn’ by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Spokesman Seye Oladejo said in a statement yesterday in Ogba, Lagos:

”Predictably, this statement is yet another cocktail of ignorance, frustration and political bitterness from a camp desperate for attention.

”Unlike the impulsive and uninformed commentary that has become the trademark of the opposition, President Tinubu’s decisions are driven by due process, rule of law and national interest. In advanced democracies, informed review and reconsideration are marks of credible leadership and institutional maturity – not weakness.

”Only in the shallow corners of the opposition’s imagination does consultation and constitutional refinement translate to a ‘U-turn.’

APC said it was quite understandable, though regrettable, that Atiku Abubakar and his media handlers permanently misread governance dynamics, having left public office since 2007 – a period during which he did not cover himself in glory.

It said Atiku needed refresher courses in modern governance.

Oladejo said the political world had evolved, Nigeria had evolved, public administration had evolved.

”Unfortunately, Atiku has not. His thoughts remain trapped in a bygone political era – outdated, unimaginative and disconnected from today’s realities. His ideas are as stale as the repeated electoral losses that have now become his identity.

”Indeed, serial defeats at the polls can weigh heavily on an aging mind that was never more than ordinary in the first place,” he added.

The spokesman said it was the height of irony that a candidate, whose career had been defined by endless defections, internal party sabotage and judicial tourism, was attempting to lecture President Tinubu on leadership or integrity.

”Nigeria has not forgotten the unresolved scandals and unexplained fortunes that follow Atiku’s political legacy like an unshakeable shadow.

”Instead of issuing hollow press tantrums, the former Vice-President’s camp should focus on rehabilitating its battered political credibility,” he further said.

Oladejo said the public was weary of Atiku’s infantile, bitterness-driven politics – where sound governance decisions were attacked for the sake of noise-making.

He noted that President Tinubu was strengthening institutions, not pandering to emotion or social media theatrics.

APC said: ”We urge Nigerians to ignore the latest media convulsions from a defeated politician’s corner. President Tinubu will continue to lead with constitutional discipline, courage and clarity of purpose – not the bitterness and confusion that have become hallmarks of those rejected repeatedly at the polls. Nigeria is moving forward – and no amount of political tantrums will change that reality.”

The World Bank in partnership with the Bank of Industry, BOI has created a framework for development finance with an aim to accelerate job creation, unlock private capital, and deepen financial inclusion across the country.

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Matthew Verghis has emphasized the urgency of rethinking Nigeria’s development financial architecture to reflect changing global realities and domestic needs, stating that the partnership is to also chart a new development finance model to boast Nigeria’s economy.

Verghis disclosed at the second edition of the Bank of Industry Development Lecture Series in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Development Finance Imperatives: Rethinking Nigeria’s Path Forward,’ as he explains that Nigeria is at a turning point with clear signs of macroeconomic stability emerging from the government’s ongoing reform efforts.

He spoke on easing inflation, rising reserves, and growing industrial confidence as evidence that policy consistency and fiscal discipline were beginning to yield tangible results, he describes the removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a landmark achievement, signalling that the country’s financial system now meets international anti-money laundering standards.

According to him, ‘It is a signal that Nigeria’s anti-money laundering structures now meet international benchmarks, as a single step that enhances investor trust and strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth. Poverty and unemployment remain persistent challenges, noting that millions of Nigerians are yet to feel the benefits of macroeconomic reforms.

‘We are seeing progress in stabilization, but the purchasing power of citizens remains weak because inflation is still high, to sustain these reforms, we must focus on policies that drive job creation and increase access to finance. It is important for Nigeria to adopt a new model of development finance that mobilizes private capital and leverages digital innovation, the need to fill existing gaps in infrastructure and enterprise funding’.

He argued that traditional models in which governments and donors directly fund infrastructure are no longer sufficient to meet Nigeria’s enormous needs, estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually, stating that if the country follows conventional financing approaches it will not take them close to the infrastructure or enterprise goals, he explained that the country needs a shift, one that treats development finance not as an end in itself, but as a tool for structural transformation.

Speaking, BOI Chairman, Dr. Mansur Muhtar called for deeper collaboration among public institutions, private investors, and development partners to create an environment conducive to inclusive and sustainable growth, assuring that BOI remains committed to its mandate of driving industrialization and supporting businesses through innovative and responsible lending.

Lagos-based Luba Football Club will be looking to continue their impressive run in the ongoing Dare to Dream Championship when they face Inspire FC in a highly anticipated semi-final fixture scheduled for Friday at the Inspire Sports Arena.

Emerging as one of the most consistent and tactically disciplined sides in the competition, Luba FC have demonstrated remarkable quality and resilience in their journey to the last four.

The team has recorded victories over WillyJoe 17 Football Academy, Beckon FC, Bucknor FA, Zenith FC, and FC Robo, cementing their place as genuine contenders for the title.

Luba FC’s campaign has been characterised by composure, defensive solidity, and a collective will to win.

Their 2-1 victory over Beckon FC and hard-fought triumphs against Zenith FC and FC Robo underline their ability to adapt to different styles of play while maintaining a clear identity on the pitch.

Speaking ahead of the semi-final, Club Chairman, Afolabi Damilola Solomon, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and reiterated the academy’s broader vision beyond the tournament itself.

‘We built Luba FC to be more than just a competitive side,’ Solomon said. ‘Our ambition is to become a leading football academy in Nigeria and Africa, a recruiting hub for top domestic talents and a pathway for players aspiring to play in Europe.

‘Friday’s match against Inspire FC is another opportunity to showcase our progress and prove that our model of football development is working,’ he added.

The Dare to Dream Championship, known for its emphasis on youth development and talent exposure, has served as a valuable platform for emerging teams to test their mettle against some of the best academy sides in the country. Luba FC’s consistent performances have earned them recognition as one of the standout teams of this year’s edition.

With Inspire FC also boasting a talented squad and an attacking style of play, tomorrow’s encounter promises to be fiercely contested.

However, Luba FC’s organised structure and balanced approach have given them confidence going into the game.

According to Solomon, the objective remains clear: ‘We want to make a statement. Competing at this level reflects how far we’ve come, but reaching the final would confirm that Luba FC is on course to becoming a dominant force in grassroots football.’

For Luba FC, the semi-final is not merely about a place in the final; it represents another milestone in their pursuit of excellence.

Regardless of the outcome, their journey in the Dare to Dream Championship has further established them as one of the rising forces in Nigerian youth football, a club truly daring to dream and determined to lead Africa’s next generation of football talent.

Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has emphasized that political will remains the missing link in Nigeria’s quest for genuine sports development.

Shaibu stated this while delivering the keynote address titled ‘Political Will as a Driver of National Development’ at the 60th Diamond Anniversary Lecture of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) held yesterday, at the VIP Lounge, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The event, which had dignitaries including the National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, his Director General, Bukola Olopade, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Ekaete Godswill Akpabio who was represented by Mrs Matilda Samson Ekong among others in attendance, celebrated six decades of SWAN’s contribution to sports journalism and national development.

Shaibu commended SWAN for its unwavering commitment to promoting sports excellence in Nigeria, noting that for 60 years, the association had served as the ‘voice of Nigerian sports,’ documenting triumphs, analysing challenges, and advocating for growth.

Speaking on the theme, Shaibu described political will as the ‘genuine commitment of leaders to pursue difficult but necessary actions for the long-term benefit of the nation.’ He outlined three critical dimensions of political will – vision and commitment, courage to implement tough reforms, and consistency in execution – as essential ingredients for transformative leadership.

‘Political will manifests in the courage to take tough decisions, the vision to see a better future, and the consistency to follow through despite political transitions,’ Shaibu said.

Using the sports sector as a mirror of national governance, Shaibu lamented the neglect of Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure, which he said reflected a deeper lack of political will.

‘Some of our facilities at the National Institute for Sports have trees growing through tennis courts. This symbolizes not just physical decay but decades of policy neglect,’ he noted.

He, however, cited his experience as Edo State Deputy Governor as evidence that political commitment could drive transformation. The renovation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and development of mini-stadia across the state, according to him, were ‘manifestations of political will translated into concrete action.’

Highlighting the economic potential of sports, Shaibu said investing in sports development was not an act of charity but a strategic economic decision.

‘The global sports industry is worth about $500 billion. It generates jobs, promotes tourism, and stimulates manufacturing and broadcasting. Sports is an economic goldmine that can employ millions of Nigerian youths,’ he stated.

He stressed that for Nigeria to unlock its development potential, leaders must demonstrate political will that transcends rhetoric and short-term political gains. Shaibu argued that while the country has never lacked brilliant policies, the real challenge lies in implementation, continuity, and prioritization.

Citing examples from nations like Singapore, South Korea, and Rwanda, he said strong political will had transformed their development trajectories despite limited natural resources.

Shaibu also challenge sports journalists to play a crucial role in building and sustaining political will through advocacy, accountability, and public enlightenment.

‘SWAN must continue to hold sports administrators accountable, highlight development gaps, and educate the public on how sports can drive economic growth,’ he urged.

Proposing a way forward, Shaibu outlined a five-point framework for strengthening political will as a driver of development:

Institutional Strengthening – ensuring continuity beyond individual leaders; Data-Driven Decision Making – basing policies on research and evidence; Stakeholder Engagement – involving media, civil society, and private sector;

Transparency and Accountability – tracking and evaluating policy commitments; and Capacity Building – developing competent professionals to implement reforms.

Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to implementing these principles at the National Institute for Sports, pledging that the NIS under his leadership would promote research, training, and partnerships that align with national development goals.

‘We must begin to see sports not as recreation, but as a business and a vital pillar of national development,’ he concluded.

The lecture formed part of SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations themed ‘The Power of Sports Media: Honouring its Legacy, Shaping the Future.’

Despite being relatively young, High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola MON, OFR, the Akosin of Yorubaland, is far from inexperienced in the complexities of Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. Through unwavering dedication and hard work, he has built an impressive fortune that not only sustains him but also positions him as a pivotal figure in various sectors across the nation. While many of his contemporaries continue to struggle to establish themselves or seek opportunities abroad, Habeeb made a conscious decision to return to Nigeria after completing his master’s degree. This choice led him to establish a company that is now redefining the narrative around indigenous businesses thriving in Nigeria’s challenging environment.

Where others see obstacles, Habeeb identifies untapped opportunities. He skillfully utilizes his negotiation skills and extensive network to foster collaboration across different regions of Nigeria. Today, as the President of CINI Holdings, he is not just creating wealth for himself; he is making significant investments in multiple business portfolios that emphasize entrepreneurship and business development, particularly among the youth demographic. His enthusiasm for youth empowerment has garnered recognition and respect from notable figures, including the late Alaafin Adeyemi, who honored him with the prestigious title of Akosin of Yorubaland. Additionally, he was bestowed the title of Taiyese of Iseyin Land by the Aseyi of Iseyin, further solidifying his influence in the region.

As a High Chief of Yorubaland, Habeeb is deeply committed to the peace and stability of the South-West and Nigeria as a whole. His collaborations with various traditional leaders have enabled him to leverage his extensive connections to facilitate development initiatives. This dedication caught the attention of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, who recognized Habeeb’s potential as a transformative leader. Alaafin expressed his desire to foster a new era of partnership between the throne and its chiefs, emphasizing a mutual commitment to uplift the Yoruba people and preserve their rich cultural heritage.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has described the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja halting its planned elective National Convention as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said in a statement that Friday’s judgement by Justice Kolawole Omitosho did not however affect its ability to go ahead with the processes leading to the convention, asking members nation wide to remain steadfast.

Ologunagba said the the recent Supreme Court judgement allow parties to take charge of management of their intern affairs.

The PDP convention scheduled to take place between 15th and 16th of November in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital is expected to elect new members of the National Working Committee(NWC) and amend the party constitution.

The statement titled: ‘PDP planned National Convention not vitiated by court’ said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Justice Kolawole Omotosho today, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

‘However, the PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the National Convention to elect new National Officers to pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

‘Our party notes the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs.

‘The PDP therefore charges its members, Chapter and Organs to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the National Convention of our Party

‘Nevertheless, the PDP as the leading opposition Party in Nigeria committed to the Rule of Law has accordingly directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.’

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the national convention planned for Ibadan, Oyo State on November 15 and 16 by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions under its constitution and laws stipulating the necessary steps to be taken before conducting such a convention.

Justice Omotosho also held that evidence supplied to the court by INEC and some of the respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states of the federation in breach of the law.

Justice Omotosho equally held that the signing of notices and correspondence of the PDP by its National Chairman, without the National Secretary, violated the law and consequently made such notices and correspondences a nullity.

The judge stated that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21 days notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.

He equally pointed out the failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy, and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.

The judge proceeded to restrain INEC from receiving, publishing or recognizing the outcome of the convention slated for Ibadan, until the law has been complied with.

The judgment was on a suit : FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 filed by three aggrieved members of the party.

The plaintiffs – Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) – said they are unhappy with the manner the national chairman has ran the affairs of the crisis-ridden party.

Defendants in the suit were INEC, the PDP, its National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

By an order of the court, made on September 14 pursuant to applications by PDP’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum and two other key officials – Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi – Justice Omotosho joined the three as defendants in the suit.

In the Friday judgment, Justice Omotosho noted that Article 36(1) (a) and (b) of the PDP Constitution empowers the National Secretary of the party to handle the correspondence of the party and issue notices of meetings, congresses and conventions.

The judge said it was wrong for the leadership of the PDP to exclude its National Secretary from its activities, preparatory to the convention.

Justice Omotosho referred to the cases witnessed by the PDP in Cross River and Kebbi states, where the party’s notice of congress was signed only by the National Chairman and noted that the document was dated September 25.

The judge held the action of the PDP’s National Chairman, in signing notice of congress as wells and the postponement notice, was invalid and as such INEC could not accord the congress to be conducted thereto, any recognition.

The court also invalidated the October 15 National Executive meeting of the PDP because the party failed to issue notice which deprived INEC the opportunity to monitor.

Omotosho concluded that non-compliance with the laws and regulations of political parties if allowed would open the floodgates of disobedience to the Electoral Act and will be detrimental to democracy.

He said although INEC may not be able to stop political parties from conducting their meetings, congresses and conventions, the Electoral Act empowers it to ‘invalidate such deficient meetings, congresses and conventions’, to serve as a punitive measures to check abuses.

The judge added that the signing of notices by the Chairman alone is an act which contravened the Electoral laws as well as the party’s regulations and guidelines.

The judge further held that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21 days notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC carry out its mandatory duty of monitoring such meetings and congresses.

He added that the failure of the PDP to comply with the law has put the planned convention in jeopardy, and subsequently advised the PDP to do the necessary before going ahead with the election.

The judge proceeded to order INEC to refuse to recognize the outcome of the planned convention since a proper foundation was not put in place for a valid convention.

He held that INEC was under the obligation to ensure strict compliance with the law.

The judge admonished the PDP to issue appropriate notices for the conduct of congresses for states and zones where congress did not hold or were postponed.

He said such notices must be signed by both the PDP’s National Chairman and National Secretary to make them valid.

Omotosho said: ‘INEC is not expected to give recognition to any convention not done in line with the law. INEC should not accept the results of any convention in breach of the law.’

The judge also restrained INEC from posting on its website, any action done in breach of the electoral act or any other laws.

Earlier in the judgment, Justice Omotosho struck out the submissions made by Chris Uche (SAN) and Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) on behalf of the PDP, and its organs.

The judge held that by the evidence before the court, both senior lawyers were not the proper lawyers to represent the PDP and its organs.

Justice Omotosho, in his judgment in the suit by Nwachukwu and others, noted that, as against the respondents’ contention, the case of the plaintiffs extended beyond the purview of the internal affairs of the PDP.

The judge further noted that issues relating to the internal affairs of political parties constitute ‘a no-go area for the court,’ but observed that the plaintiffs were not contending the party’s leadership.

He said the plaintiffs, going by their filinga were concerned with the need for INEC to perform its statutory duty of ensuring that political parties abide by the electoral laws, guidelines and regulations on meetings, congresses, primaries and conventions.

The judge then, held that ‘a suit challenging the executive decision of INEC is not an internal affairs of a political party,’ adding that the electoral body ‘is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring, making regulations and guidelines for the conduct of party’s primary, congresses and conventions.’

In dismissing the defendants’ notice of preliminary objection, Justice Omotosho held that his court could not turn its eyes away from the glaring breach of the Constitution and electoral laws by the PDP, which claimed that its actions were within the internal affairs of the political party.

The judge noted that his court would be supporting illegality should it close its eyes and ears to PDP’s conduct.

Justice Omotosho overruled the defendant’s challenge of the plaintiffs’ right to initiate the suit, noting that the plaintiffs’ grievance was with INEC’s conduct and not the PDP

Th judge noted that the suit was a civil case, intended to sanitise the political system and ensure that parties comply with the laws and their own constitution.

In a ruling on Friday in the suit by Lamido, Justice Peter Lifu, rejected an ex-parte motion by the ex-governor of Jigawa State to restrain the PDP from proceeding with its planned national congress.

The motion was argued by his lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN).

Instead, Justice Lifu ordered the PDP and INEC, listed as defendants in the sui,t to appear before his court and show cause why the ex-governor’s prayers should not be granted.

The judge said: ‘I have also averted my mind to Order 26 Rules, 8(c) of the Rules of this court and the need to exercise my discretion judicially and judiciously.

‘Consequently, considering the entire gamut of the entire suit, it is my considered view that Order 26 rule 8(c) of the 2019 Rules of this court be invoked to enable this court balance the scale and equities of the parties.

‘In that wise, the respondents in this suit are herein ordered to show cause within the next 72 hours effective from the date and time of service of this order on them why the prayers of the applicant should not be so granted.’

Justice Lifu then adjourned further hearing till November 6.

Lamido, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, is among others, challenging the manner the party’s leadership was proceeding with its plans to hold a national convention to elect a new crop of leaders.